Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
10-25-2012
Journal
BMC Public Health
Volume
Volume 12
Inclusive Pages
Article number 905
Keywords
Military Personnel--psychology; Resilience; Psychological; Social Adjustment
Abstract
Background
Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare.
Methods
This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005–06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006–07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators.
Results
Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction.
Conclusion
The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
APA Citation
Jordans, M.J.D., Komproe, I.H., Tol, W.A., Ndayisaba, A., Nisabwe, T., Kohrt, B.A. (2013). Reintegration of child soldiers in Burundi: A tracer study. BMC Public Health, 12:905.
Peer Reviewed
1
Open Access
1
Comments
Reproduced with permission of BMC Public Health.